I was absolutely on pins and needles as the tenth company set up to defend their fortifications. I love a good story about teamwork. I like how you humanize the family of the Steward, but emphasize how much Denethor's prejudices limit his thoughts: he decides that a company is bad because it's the lowest number, so his judgments are wrong over and over when he tries to guess what will happen. Thank you for writing this story -- this is my favorite chapter so far, and I'm looking forward to reading more of it.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how you enjoyed the chapter! It was great to have the Tenth Company triumph. You've summarized Denethor's error very neatly, too!

DoggieGirl

Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/29/2015

This was such an awesome chapter. Like the men of the tenth, I was not surprised that Thorongil and Minardil are the only ones that were left standing devastating the enemy (excuse me opponents) sent against them. Thorongil has that amazing ability to inspire belief in the impossible. I even belief that Thorongil might be right that together they could have taken on forty guardsmen.

Inspiring the men, carrying all the water for his men, scoping out knowledge from the opponents camp, fighting to almost the last man, re-inspiring the captain, and offering expert military council - all in a day's work for Thorongil.

The whole mock taking of the hill and the victory was so rewarding to see. The tenth company's mounting excitement and the second's shock and surprise was so well played. Of course, Thorongil had to take out the second's captain. His eleven training with animals must have helped him there. I really enjoyed the fact that the last man dramatically "died." It shows that at least some of the second's company truly are good natured about their defeat. I loved it.

Denethor's must have almost choked on his wine as he saw the sudden change of fortunes. His humiliation for the tenth company could very well backfire into the humiliation of second company. I wonder exactly what Minardil will say about Thorongil's role in this. I foresee that Denethor's enjoyment of the proceedings is about to dramatically decrease.

Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the chapter! It is always wonderful to see Thorongil inspiring those about him: this is the gift that brought the Grey Company through the Paths of the Dead and inspired the six thousand to march upon all the might of Mordor. I think you may be right about taking down the forty, too: it would have been a very frantic fight, but they might have done it!

Yay for the Last Man Standing! Yes, he's got the spirit of the thing: it's only a game, after all! Writing the death throes was fun, as was Thorongil's handling of the mounted Captain. Poor old Denethor: such a surprise!

obsidianj

Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/29/2015

Heh, heh, that was a well-earned victory. I just hope Denethor will not learn too soon that it was probably Thorongil's battle plan. Let him think Menardil came up with this idea. At least now the playing field is a bit more leveled. The second company will now be more wary of the tenth and not just think they are cannon fodder.

Author Reply: Very true: no more underestimating this opponent! Glad you enjoyed the Tenth's victory: well-earned indeed.

Will the good Captain reveal the source of his inspiration or (given that he would certainly do so as a matter of honor and integrity otherwise) accede to Thorongil's wishes to remain anonymous for the non?

Author Reply: Mum's the word!

So glad you enjoyed this! They were ready for a triumph, I think.

Camp6311

Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/28/2015

Three cheers for the tenth company! The disparity of the forces was offset by the highground (and overconfidence), but the trump card was the tactician in the middle. It was brilliant! Kudos too for Denethor and his war games planning, one challenge at a time incrementally increasing in difficulty. The man knows his stuff. He saw the trap before it was sprung, and is giving due credit to the captain of the winning company. But will Minardil confess as to who his tactician is, or will he soak up his Capitan-General's praises for himself?? Does Thorongil even want to be revealed as the strategist behind the victory, or would he rather put his young captain forward? Looking forward to finding out.

Author Reply: So pleased you liked the exercises, and that you appreciate Denethor's plans and powers of observation. Excellent questions, too! Thank you for the lovely feedback.

Aromene

Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/28/2015

I am so glad I was right! I'd feel sorry for Denethor, but anyone who engineers repeated victory in a game, deserves to be occasionally trounced by the usually defeated party. Can't wait to see what he says to Minardil. I'm sure that'll be an enlightening conversations, no doubt ending in Denethor being royally annoyed. Can't wait!

Author Reply: Heh. No, I'm not sure how much sympathy Denethor deserves in this case... but he doesn't like surprises. Had to laugh at 'royally annoyed', too: works on several levels!

Matt

Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/28/2015

Another great chapter. I really like the tactics here, both the overall tactics and also Torongil's 'help' to his captain who can then claim credit for the victory. Good for the Captain, the company and (via favors from an honorable man), for Thorongil. Thanks loads for your hard work on this, looking forward to the next installment.

Author Reply: Thank you very much! I'm glad to know the tactics, both broadly and in the particulars, came out well. Cheers!

UTfrog

Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/28/2015

Yay for the Tenth Company! I knew there would be shocks for Denethor. Love Thorongil's advice as well. Great job

Author Reply: Thank you! So pleased you enjoyed this victory, and Thorongil's part in it.